Pakistan's hockey team leaves on Monday for the World Cup in New Delhi amid warnings from a security expert that there is a genuine threat to the players' safety in India.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Thursday
The Pakistan Hockey Federation dropped Mohammad Saqlain, Sohail Abbas, Waseem Ahmad, Ghazanfar Ali and Dilawar Hussain for failing to report for a preparatory camp.
Mohammad Saqlain will lead the Pakistan side in the hockey World Cup in Germany next month.
The national federations had planned to hold the eight-match Test series on a home-and-away basis during March and April.
Dilip Tirkey, Adrian D'Souza, Gagan Ajit Singh, Sandeep Singh, Viren Rasquinha and Arjun Halappa will leave for Pakistan on September 5.
PHF secretary Khalid Mehmood said the decision to skip the tournament in Chennai was because the players need more time to rectify their flaws.
The ace full-back was named in the 18-man team for the Champions Trophy hockey tournament.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has threatened to pull out of next year's World Cup in India unless assured of "easy procurement" of visas and "top security" for its players at the event.
The Pakistan Hockey Federation has allowed eight Pakistan Olympians to take part in the Indian league.
Waseem Ahmed replaces Mohammad Nadeem as the capatin of the Pakistan hockey team in the forthcoming Test series against India.
Pakistan's penalty-corner ace however said he would be available for major tournaments if the country needs him.
PHF secretary Brig Musarutullah Khan said his team will not have any problem touring India for the inaugural Afro-Asian Games.
Sohail Abbas and Waseem Ahmed have been included in the squad for the Champions Trophy.
The World Cup will begin in Bhubaneswar from November 28 and Rizwan said his team is well prepared to handle the pressures during the prestigious tournament.
Summary of sports events and persons who made news on Sunday
